Songbirds Guitar Museum – Chattanooga Museums Series 2

A Collection of Timeless Guitars

The Songbirds at the Chattanooga Choo Choo

Inside the Songbirds Museum

Our next stop on the Tennessee Valley Railroad sponsored Museum Hop was the new Songbirds Guitar Museum located on the world famous Chattanooga Choo Choo campus. The Songbirds is a remarkable collection of guitars dating back to the advent of amplified guitars in 1931. In addition to electric guitars, you’ll see famous acoustic guitars, including the 1941 C. F. Martin D-45, and many other varieties of stringed instruments.

Leather-covered guitar played by Judy Lynn

You’ll find informative iPads at many exhibits describing the guitars and their owners.

iPads teach you about the guitars in the displays

Ipad showing the history of guitars

Many of these musical instruments were owned or played by famous celebrities such as B.B. King, The Bee Gees, and The Beatles.

The Bee Gee’s guitar and poster

Types of guitars played by the Beatles

Signed photo of the young Beatles

A signed BB King guitar

If you love music, rock and/or roll, blues, jazz, you owe it to yourself to visit the Songbirds. It is fascinating to learn about the history of these stringed instruments, and the care and craftsmanship that went into their production.

a 1967 Gibson ES-355 TDSV guitar

At the Songbirds you can try your hand at playing an electric guitar, a bass guitar, and electric drums. These are set up so that any visitor can try their hand at playing them. They are all hooked up to earphones, which are interconnected so you can hear what each instrument is playing. Bring you friends and put on a “silent” concert. Some incredible musicians try their hand at this and it’s great fun to listen in.

the stage at Songbirds with guitars for the visitors

For the real music enthusiasts, get an All Access Tour. This will take you on a guided tour into their guitar vault, where you’ll see some of the most valuable and famous guitars in the world. You can even get a Family 4-Pack All Access Tour, so the whole family can experience the incredible world of music and guitars.